Danville Express

No explosions at home

Lighting fireworks at home is illegal in Contra Costa County. It's also illegal to buy them in cities in other counties and smuggle them over the border.

Fireworks can be dangerous when not operated by professionals, fire officials say.

More than 8,000 people per year, mostly children under the age of 15, are injured from fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The injuries are usually burns on the hands, eyes and head.

Fire officials encourage residents to attend organized events this Fourth of July. There will be a fireworks display at San Ramon Central Park at 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Residents attending these events should be mindful of their pets, officials warn, because animals have sensitive ears and can get scared or stressed around loud noises.

To report the sale and use of illegal fireworks or explosives, contact the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Fire Prevention Division at 838-6600.